Further Study Guide for New Volunteers
Welcome to your continued learning journey at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens.
This guide expands upon your orientation and serves as a continuing education resource to support your growth as a volunteer. The materials outlined below will help you deepen your understanding of Hillwood’s history, explore the life and legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post, and become more familiar with the mansion, collections, and gardens. The overall goal is to build your confidence and deepen your knowledge so you can engage visitors with clarity, accuracy, and enthusiasm while thoughtfully assisting with their questions.
You are encouraged to explore these resources at your own pace and revisit them as your experience grows.
Hillwood Overview
Start by strengthening your understanding of Hillwood as a whole.
Spend time exploring the full website, with special attention to the “Estate” section, which offers insight into Marjorie Merriweather Post’s life and background, and the “Garden” section, which highlights seasonal blooms and featured garden rooms.
The 10-minute orientation film is available on Hillwood’s website and is shown in the visitor center theater during regular opening hours (9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.).
Provided to all new visitor services volunteers, this publication offers a helpful overview of the estate, collections, and legacy.
Visitor Guides and Map with Audio Tour Brochure
Available in the visitor center. Familiarity with these materials will help you confidently answer common visitor questions.
Marjorie Merriweather Post
Develop a deeper understanding of the life, legacy, and interpretive approaches related to Marjorie Merriweather Post.
Volunteer Lectures
Publication
Foundational Materials
Mansion & Collections
Explore the mansion and collections in greater depth.
Volunteer Lectures
Mansion and Garden Audio Tour Scripts
This written script of Hillwood’s mobile audio tour features the art of eighteenth-century France and imperial Russia, splendid gardens, and the luxury items that distinguished Marjorie Merriweather Post’s life at Hillwood. The audio tour also includes a tour just for families that brings the allure of the Russian court to life for users of all ages.
How to Access:
- Read the PDF document available on the volunteer website
- Download the mobile audio tour (located on “Visit” on Hillwood’s website). The app includes images of objects and rooms for helpful visual reference.
Listen to the audio tour while following along with the script as you walk through the mansion and gardens. This immersive approach strengthens both content knowledge and spatial awareness. Note: Only pencils (not pens) are permitted inside the mansion.
Additional Collection Updates
Gardens
The gardens are central to the Hillwood experience and reflect both historic design and modern sustainability practices.
Volunteer Lecture
Continuing Education
A wide range of continuing education resources is available on the volunteer website, including recordings of past lectures, Hillwood’s monthly volunteer newsletter, exhibition materials, and updates on mansion and garden displays.
Ongoing learning is part of what makes the volunteer community at Hillwood so strong. Your curiosity and commitment help create meaningful experiences for every visitor.
Thank you for your dedication – and happy studying!